The Metal Muses

Traum

The cultural atmosphere used to describe Traum includes reserved, pessimistic, idealistic, passionate and intense. Traum is very much a descendent of Carc’aa and Daeturn culture. The home environment is best viewed as a fusion of the bleak, slow progression of Daeturn with the collective, group-centered nature of Carc’aa. True Traum culture is always directly influenced by the nation as a whole, but often takes many years to enact change. As with the military of Daeturn, once a cultural change begins, very few obstacles can prevent its progress.

Traum’s geographic layout lies at the crossroads of different lands with many different forces pushing on it. Slow and crushing glaciers occupy the northern territories of Traum while the barren, beast-infested wastes lie to the west. Traum formed from early pioneers that set out after The Descent to move on to new lands. The approach of the “Ice Cradle” (the rapidly moving glacier) was heralded by the migration of dangerous barbarian tribes and herds of beasts. While the temptation of expansion loomed in the minds of the Traum elite, pressure from other natures at its borders prevents further growth. Despite the desolation that surrounds Traum, ample protection is provided for the city. Other geographic features include a network of rivers and marshlands known as the Trails of Woes, and the Cliffs of the Fallen.

There is also a diverse range of social structures in Traum. The variety in geography accounts for the great diversity of its people. An interesting development is the strength of unity and national identity of Traum. The slow progression of culture has allowed for an overarching shared experience as a Trauman despite vastly different experiences in the day-to-day. The people of Traum are proud and united in a way that is almost harmonious. Their exposure to the elements as well as the horrors of war has given the nation “hope for the best, expect the worst” attitude that has shown through in their success as a nation. The unity and cooperation of Trauman is often misinterpreted as weakness and neediness by other nations. The nation is known to attract individuals from other nations who may not fit as well in individualist cultures.

The military of Traum is known to be insurmountable and fortress-like. For the citizens of the nation, their slow and reserved tactics reflect their background as frontiersmen. The history of Trauman drips with treachery and pain from an obsession with deceit and transgressions of every variety. Generals have learned to focus on internal defenses and the meaninglessness of aggression against a well-prepared enemy. Traum has not lost its introspective edge and so continues to be a force to be reckoned with.